Singer-songwriter Dan’s the man for Rae Morris support slot

Darin Hutson

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Dan Owen is playing his second North-East show in the space of a month this weekend.

The 23-year-old, of Shropshire, is playing a support slot for Rae Morris at Newcastle’s O2 Academy 2 on Sunday. Port Isla will also be supporting.

Tickets cost £14.62. For further details, go to www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk or www.danowenmusic.com

It’s Owen’s second show in the region in just over three weeks following a headlining date at Sunderland’s Independent 2 last month.

The blues-influenced musician is on tour all this month and next as he prepares to put out his debut EP later in the year, having already released one track, Fall Like a Feather, as a preview.

Among the plaudits the Shrewsbury lad has earned so far was being named best young artist at 2013’s British Blues Awards.

Among his growing band of fans is rock veteran Mick Fleetwood, a founder member of Fleetwood Mac.

The 68-year-old has been musically mentoring Owen since being impressed by a Youtube video of him playing a cover of the Bob Dylan classic The Ballad of Hollis Brown at 2012’s Newark Blues Festival in Nottinghamshire.

Fleetwood said: “Dan’s music is from the heart. It is genuine blues and Dan is at the forefront of the new wave in British singer-songwriter talent.”

A mutual appreciation society has since developed between the pair, with Owen telling the Shropshire Star: “Mick sort of found me via YouTube then came to a record industry showcase in London.

“We went for dinner and just had a chat.

“I mean, his stuff, Fleetwood Mac, is pretty amazing really. He’s been there and done it, so it’s amazing to have someone like that on board.